People with adjustment disorder generally feel depressed, anxious, or both. These feelings cause the person to act out against societal norms. Some people who are experiencing adjustment disorder may skip school or work, get into fights, both physical and verbal, and often times have legal troubles. On the other hand, other people with adjustment disorder tend to withdraw as much as they can from society. They don't go out, won't socialize, and isolate themselves as much as they can.

Like many other forms of depression, a therapist will interview the patient extensively and take a thorough medical history in order to make the diagnosis of adjustment disorder. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment will begin. Adjustment disorder is most often treated with group therapy. In some cases, a therapist will prescribe a prescription medicine like an anti-anxiety medication like lorazepam. People who are experiencing depression may be given an anti-depressant like paroxetine.

Although it is difficult to go through, adjustment disorder is usually treated successfully. Within a few months of diagnosis many patients feel much better and can get on with their lives as normal. People who have withdrawn will reconnect to their friends and family, and those with feelings of rage will have calmed down significantly. If the patient has had any legal trouble as a result of his/her adjustment disorder, the judge will often look favorably upon successful treatment and may reduce any sentence that has been imposed. Furthermore, the patient can use the tools and methods learned in therapy to cope with the changes that are sure to come down the road, thereby avoiding further incidences of adjustment disorder.